REVIVAL
You had me at hello, goodbye, and everything in between.
Shannon L. Adler
Author's Note: Ahh! This was painful to write, to say the least. But I love how this came out as well. Let me know what you think!
Also, if you're an Attack on Titan fan and you like Levi Ackerman like I do, I just started a new story called Chaos & Calm. Check it out if you want to.
There will be more chapters ahead, rest assured. I still have one story arc in mind for our leads!
Revival Playlist (Spotify) :
open dot spotify dot com/ playlist / 2MHRRWqU5uFibl2DcpKWa0?si=032wftj5QqK_Vowhdztw3w&dl_branch=1
(Just change 'dot' to '.' and take out the spaces in between!)
Chapter XXIX: Until We Meet Again
"The whole thing was a diversion." Mira says. "Those Missing Nins were nothing but damn clones."
"But why would they do that?" Tenshi asks, Kakashi holds her close. In fact, after everything and entering that odd dimension with Tobi, he's been sticking to her like a leech. Not that she's complaining.
Despite the slight wreckage from the battle, the stars fill the denim sky high above them. The firelight dances on everyone's features as they all circle around. Gai and Kaida are nowhere to be found.
"I have a feeling this won't be the last we hear of the Akatsuki." Kakashi shifts beside her, his hand clutches her arm a little tighter at the statement. "But right now, I'm just glad everyone's okay." He smiles. While everyone seems convinced at his attempt, Tenshi raises a brow.
She rises from her seat, dusting herself off. Tenshi smiles at the few passersby, the people bow to greet her. That will definitely take some getting used to. "Will you excuse us for a second?"
Everyone nods.
Taking Kakashi's hand, they make their way into the palace. No, her family's palace. Her home.
They walk in peace along the darkened corridors, arms swinging as their fingers lace together. "I wanna show you something." She smiles.
Leading him up a few flights of stairs, she leads him through a familiar door. The Copy Ninja looks around the large bedroom. Despite it looking a little aged, the crystal accents against the marble still shine, weathered books and blankets strewn around the floor. But there's barely any dust that collected. Gato explained to her that crystals are great preservers because of how dense they are. The rooms are basically time capsules.
Tenshi leads him towards the soft lilac bed. Her seat bounces slightly as he plops himself atop it. "This was my room."
Kakashi nods, eye scanning the room before landing on her. "Pretty."
Heat creeps up her cheeks but she doesn't budge. The invisible ticking clock hovers over them like a gray cloud. A glint on the rug catches her attention. Another hitai ate.
Before she could comment however, the man beside her pulls her in closer, arm around her waist. She leans against him, resting her head on his shoulder. This might be one of the last times she'll ever hear him breathe so close to her, the rhythm that puts her to sleep at night.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you." His grip tightens slightly at the statement. "I-I don't know what I would've done had you not come back."
"Stop. Don't do that to yourself." She sits up and looks straight at him. His charcoal eye wavers, his brow furrows. Laying a hand on his cheek, she makes him look at her. "What's important is that we're here and we're alive. And right now, it's just you and me. We made it Kakashi."
Something warm trickles down her cheek. Everything's becoming so real. This might very be the last time she's going to hold him like this. "I would have never been able to do this without you. Thank you."
"No, thank you, Tenshi." He smiles. "I'm glad I came all this way with you and I've met your parents, your friends, your people, and little Rubichan. I-I just…can't believe this is it." His voice cracks at the last few words, his chin drops. "Do you think that if both of us aren't…if we didn't have to…we would…" He doesn't finish the sentence.
Tears continue to spill out of her eyes, sobs threaten to escape her throat but she swallows them down. The orange bonfires lit outside casts a beautiful golden glow in the room, the crystals catching some of the light making some a few shapes bounce around the room. She drops from the bed and kneels in front of him, cupping both his hands in hers. She cranes her neck to meet his eyes. Despite the tears, she smiles up at him.
He stretches his arm to her and wipes her tears.
"Yes, we would," she says. His eye widens, tears begin to brim. "Kakashi, in every version of events, I would…no doubt, every single one of them." Her chest tightens as the sobs leave her lips and her shoulder shake.
Leaving the comfort of her bed, he joins her on the floor, enveloping her in a hug as she rests between his legs. "I love you, Tenshi. I'll miss you so much."
"I love you too. I don't know if I could stand watching you go."
Silence.
Kakashi sighs and whispers, "But I have to."
"…I know."
They stare at each other's faces, memorizing every single detail they could take in. The thought dawns on her that this might be the last time she's ever going to be this close to him, to feel his heartbeat against his vest.
Closing the distance between their faces, Kakashi leans in and so does she. His warm breath dances on her lips, her chest flutters at the contact. The people begin to sing and dance outside, the dulled music in her bedroom with the firelight makes everything feel warm and inviting. He brushes his lips against hers before his hand cups the nape of her neck to pull her closer to him.
They've kissed several times before but this one in particular stood out from the rest. The Copy Ninja has always been guarded even when he doesn't mean to, a note of hesitation under his kisses. But this time, there's no trace of it. Both his hands cup her jaws as he leads the kiss for the first time, and Tenshi is more than happy to follow. She couldn't help but smile against his warm lips. The familiar scent of mint and home enters her senses.
"I love you," she says to his lips, temporarily breaking the kiss.
Kakashi shakes his head and gives her a quick peck before he says, "I love you more."
"Impossible."
"Just kiss me."
"Eager." She plants her arms on both sides of his neck and sits up as she traps him against the side of her bed, kissing him stupid before saying, "I like it."
The silver-haired man watches her with flushed cheeks and wide eyes, his mask pulled down to his neck revealing his pink slightly swollen lips. Tenshi captures a mental image of him, storing it for a rainy day. His expression softens as he laughs, his low voice vibrates against her chest.
"By the way, I almost forgot to give you this." She reaches into her pocket. "Gato-san taught me how to make one so I thought I'd play around with it." She takes out a blue emerald-cut crystal hanging on a leather strap. A sheepish grin makes its way to her face as she scratches her cheek with her index finger. She slips it over her head, the pendant hangs around his neck.
"It's the one like his and Anzu-san's." He smiles as he catches it in his fingers. "It lights up when you're near."
Tenshi nods. "I don't know if it will ever be of use but I want you to at least have a part of myself."
"I love it. Thank you." He takes her hand in his. "Here." A weight rests atop her palms. She laughs to herself knowing full well what it is.
His worn out copy of Icha Icha Paradise.
Scratching the back of his head, his nervous chuckle echoes in her room. "It's all I've got. I'm sorry."
"It's perfect."
Hooking his fingers on her chin, he pulls her in for another kiss. She sinks into him again.
A knock on her door snaps them out of their moment. It's Aoi. "Guys, sorry to interrupt but everyone's looking for you Tenshi-san."
Tenshi sighs, still in her drunken stupor. But she and Kakashi just laughs to themselves. "Duty calls."
"I'm just glad it's Aoi. We both know Gai would just barge right in."
"Kaida too."
Exiting her room, they straighten their clothes as they make their way outside. Footsteps echoing against the marble.
Awaiting them, the people have gathered. "Kairi-hime, what are we going to do now?" Someone from the crowd asks. Rubichan flies up to her and plants herself against her leg, she strokes her head and she purrs.
Tenshi smiles at the faces of the people who have been with her through everything. Her parents. Kakashi. Aoi. Kaida. Gai. Mira. Hari. Gato and Anzu. And it all just becomes so clear. "We will rebuild our country and start from there."
"We're going to be returning to our glory days!" Another one shouts. Everyone cheers.
The Princess smiles but shakes her head. "No, even better." Confused glances looks her way. "We'll be protectors of those who can't protect themselves. I've learned that that's what's most important growing up." She looks over at her parents and her father looks like he's going to be knocked out from his tears.
Everyone cheers.
"The Group will also be having their HQ here. As we officially detach and the Crystal Bridge breaks, we can sail the world to help wherever the waves take us."
More cheers.
"Let's enjoy the rest of the night. But let's not forget to thank the great shinobi of Konohagakure for helping us to get here." Kakashi, Gai, and Aoi grin back at her.
Applause and whistles fill the air and everyone goes back to celebrating.
Walking up the stairs, Kakashi offers her his hand. "A dance for this humble ninja, Princess?"
"Don't mind if I do. Can't miss a chance to dance with the famous Copy Ninja. Also known as my pervy neighbor." She giggles.
"Very funny."
"I love you anyway."
And with that, they join the rest of the people circling around the large bonfire. They sway to themselves as if it's just them. None of them say a word, they just hang on to each other. Rubichan floats into the fire, the flames unaffecting her. Instead, the light turns into a beautiful ruby color. The dragon grins.
"Again, no idea she could do that." Tenshi says. She rests her head on the dip of his neck. "I don't want to forget this."
"Neither do I."
And they sway even when the music stops. Even when everyone retreats to their tents to sleep. Even when they're the last ones left.
Before they know it, dawn arrives and they find themselves standing atop the bridge. Gai and Kaida cry to each other, their unapologetic sobs fill the air. Kakashi bids her parents a proper farewell, Gato and Anzu too. Tenshi and Aoi link arms as they talk quietly with Mira and Hari.
"You're going to find yourself, Aoi. And I can't wait to meet you until then." Putting an orange crystal in her hand, she says, "Please give this to Naruto-kun. Tell him that if he ever needs my help, he can break this and it'll give me a signal. For the utmost of emergencies only. He can only use this once."
Her petite friend puts it in her backpack. "You can count on me. And I'll make sure to make you proud." She grins.
"Me too. I'll try to be more organized."
"Good luck with that, by the way, Mira-san."
"Oh God." The magenta beauty face palms as the idea dawns on her.
Hari chuckles beside her. "We'll miss you, Aoi-chan."
"Tenshi-chan, Mira-chan, Hari-kun, I'll miss you all, my precious friends! I believe we will see each other once again." Gai pulls all of them into a bone-crushing hug, tears streaming like a waterfall. Rubichan joins them, crying and howling. "Of course I'd never forget you, Rubichan, you glorious adorable baby!"
A warm arm pulls her in as the Blue Beast lets go. Kakashi's. Everyone gives them space. A cool gust of wind passes them, the cracked bridge before them, barely in piece. Her hair gets in the way but he brushes it back, stroking her arms to keep her warm. She couldn't help but close her eyes to burn the sensation into her mind.
Kakashi brushes a hand on her cheek to get her attention. "Can you promise me something?"
"Anything."
"Leave your lights on for me at night, Tenshi."
She chuckles and nods. "And have surprise sushi dinners once in a while, especially on harder days."
"I promise."
"Oh, and watch Psycho Killer 4 for me too."
He sighs and pats her over the head. "Mah, mah, alright."
"And read the book?"
"Very well."
They laugh to themselves. The unbearable overwhelming emotion weighs heavier in her chest. Gai and Aoi with backpacks strapped on look back at them, they nod. It's time.
"One last time…" is all she needed to say and his lips are on hers. His lips taste of salt and mint. With her thumb, she wipes his cheek. Then she whispers, "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Her friends surround her as they wave at the retreating figures of the trio, the sight of their backs stabbing her chest. Before they reach the forest on the other side, the Copy Ninja turns to her one last time. He's too far for her to discern his expression but she gives him one little wave, glad he can't see the unending tears running down her cheeks.
And he waves back.
Then he disappears.
Tenshi stands and stares at the spot where he was. Hoping, wishing he would show up out of the blue.
But he doesn't.
And starting today, she has to be okay with that.
A heavy pat on her back wakes her back up to reality and she turns to her left. A wide grin and puffy amber eyes look back at her. "Rest up, Tenshi. We've got a long day ahead of us later."
"Right." She smiles.
Turning around, the sun rises over the horizon. The light touches the tips of the crystal buildings and lights dance around. Something inside her blossoms at this moment. No more moving around, no more being a nomad, none of that anymore. She's home. And this time, she's staying.
Upon reaching her room, she plops on her bed, her eyes glued to the ceiling as her emotions start to calm down. The room starts to spin as she comes down from her high. She turns to her side, something orange catches her attention. Kakashi's book. Biting back her tears, she picks it up.
Her finger flips through the pages. Two pieces of paper fall off. She picks them up to read them. It's their movie tickets to when they watched Psycho Killer 3 together. She continues to flip the book. A pink petal falls, the sakura tree from when they were supposed to go on their first date. A receipt of their stay in that inn when he helped her in the pouring rain.
The wetness reaches her pillow, pooling under her cheek. The pain in her chest grows more as she holds the mementos close. Upon reaching the end of the book, his neat handwriting is scribbled on it. She runs a finger over the dips.
Tenshi,
I write this as you're sleeping next to me. It's probably our last night that we would be sleeping next to each other. And as much as I hate that fact, I also want to tell you that no matter what happens tomorrow, I can't be any more happy or proud of you. You've brought everyone together and brought them home. You're the bravest person I know.
I'll miss you. And I always say this but only because I mean it but, I wish we had more time. Just one more dinner together maybe, so that I could hear you laugh about something funny you heard from work. Or we could lay on my couch as I read and you would do your research, your legs against mine. Or I could just listen to you breathe as you sleep like this. Anything. I just want to be with you. Always.
I'm sorry I couldn't be there to watch you rebuild the Land of Prism but I know I'll be hearing great things. And just know that when I do, I'll be happy for you. You were always meant for something greater than what Konoha could offer and deep down, I've always known that.
I like to pretend that this whole journey was one long date that we're on. And I'm just glad I could walk you home.
I love you, Tenshi. Always will.
Until we meet again.
Kakashi
And her crying stops, her lids finally growing heavy. A smile planted on her face as she falls asleep. Until we meet again, Kakashi.
"Time to get to work," Tenshi says as she stands before the Great Prism. Her family and friends watch her. Her hands grow clammy, the reality of what's about to happen after sets in. It will be official. Once she activates it, a veil will automatically blanket over them, covering them from the rest of the world. The bridge will break and they will drift away.
"I'm so proud of you, Ten-chan," Tou-san cries. Her mother even has tears in her eyes as she watches her, the ladies exchange smiles. No words needed.
"Bon appetit, Captain!" Kaida salutes at her.
"You mean 'bon voyage', Kaida-chan?" Hari corrects.
"Oh, shut up," she grumbles, arms crossed, "Nerd."
But the man just chuckles. "I'm excited for the future, Ten-chan. Think of all the adventures we get to go on."
"I just hope I don't get seasick." Mira complains. "Do your best, I guess." The two ladies share knowing smiles.
"Wow. You're such a ray of sunshine, Mira Monster."
"I am, aren't I?"
"Now, now, let's behave."
"Nerd." They chorus.
"Why do I get dragged into this?"
Tenshi chuckles, looking up at the bright sky outside. It's a beautiful day for a fresh start.
"You ready, Tenshi-san?" Gato grins. Anzu smiles as she gives her one last scan for any injuries.
"As I'll ever be."
"Skree!" Rubichan rubs her face against her cheek as she flies back next to Kaida. Everyone steps back.
Anzu takes the syringe and gently puts her prism back inside her. Her muscles grow stronger, her mind clearer. The older woman steps back as she collects herself.
With one last look, she grins at everyone else. She turns to the giant prism standing before her and gulps. Extending her arm, Tenshi reaches over to it, a magnetic sensation tickles her palm at the mere contact. A bright white light emits from the structure, almost blinding. But not to her.
From a distance, the sound of loud cracks and falling debris into the water can be heard. The Crystal Bridge is officially broken. The ground beneath her shakes and everyone catches their footing. Outside, an almost unnoticeable globular force field begins to encapsulate them. And now they're officially invisible. No one can find them anymore.
Tears drop from her cheeks but a smile grows on her face.
The buildings around them start to light up, the world around them comes to life before her very eyes. Widened eyes and hanging jaws. The sight unfolding before them is nothing short of beautiful. The people rejoice outside, whistles and cheers resound all over.
Rejoining her loved ones, they all gather around her as they all pull each other into one large group hug.
"We did it!" Kaida cheers.
Everyone laughs. Even Mira.
Soon after, they file out of the room and Tenshi asks to stay behind. Sitting beside the prism, she smiles. The faces of her biological parents clearer in her mind, her sisters. Their voices. Their memories of laughter and their petty little fights with her siblings. They all come back to her.
"Hi Tou-san and Kaa-san, Nee-chans," she says to nothing in particular, "We're finally starting to rebuild everything today. It's going to be a lot of work but it's going to be worth it. I brought my family here. They were my family when I lost you guys. I love them a lot. And I love you guys a lot too. I hope you're proud of me."
"Tenshi," Kaida calls from outside, "Time for lunch. Anzu-san's making sukiyaki, I'm not leaving you any if you'll take long."
She laughs to herself. "I'm coming!"
Slowly, she stands on her two feet and she makes her way out of the large room. Then our of nowhere, something knocks the air out of her lungs. Her eyes grow wide.
"It's them. They're out to get us," her father says. Dark haired and scarred arms, he rises from his seat. "Kairi-chan, your sisters have already geared up to fight. You stay here with your Kaa-san, understood?
She nods. "Yes, Otou-san."
"That can't be! The scouts must be wrong." Her mother bangs the table, making her jump.
"There's no time to waste. Hide in Kairi's room. Now!"
Her father approaches her, his eyes stern but gentle at the same time. He smiles at her as he pats her over the head. "Take care of your mother, Kairi-chan, okay? Tou-san loves you very much."
With a few words exchanged between her parents, her father leaves them to run for her room.
Chaos is everywhere. Fires and screams outside the windows. Shinobis litter around their once peaceful nation. Killing mindlessly.
Her mother locks her door and turns to her. "Kairi-chan, climb into that vent, okay? And no matter what, don't make a sound, okay? Stay in there."
Tears stream down her face as she nods. "Why are they killing us, Kaa-san?"
"Don't let this harden your heart, Kairi. This is just an unfortunate result of an unfortunate system. They're not bad people." Placing a hand atop her chest, crystal blue eyes look into hers, tears brimming on the corners. "Remember, love, always choose peace. Always be on the side of peace. Only peace can break cycle of war. Only love can break cycle of hate."
Before she knows it, her mother's agonized screams fill her ears as she shuts her eyes in the seclusion of the vent. With balled fists, for the first time in her life, a pure boiling feeling emerges from within her as her mother's arm lays limp in front of her. The gaps in between the cover of the vent allowing her little sight of the outside.
She catches her breath, her heartbeat rapid.
No, it can't be. It can't be!
She remains still in the middle of the room, the contents of her stomach rises to her throat making it burn.
"Tenshi, how many times-" Kaida approaches her.
"They did it."
"What are you talking about?"
Looking into her eyes, Tenshi can't bring herself to say it. The words acid in her tongue. Warm liquid falls to her cheeks.
Those murderers had one thing in common.
Konohagakure hitai ates.